November 16, 2010

Groundbreaking Developments for IMS and the IZOD Indy Car Series Today

A new motor sports era dawned today in Speedway, Indiana. That is where movers and shakers from Indy Car and IMS gathered with the mayor of Indianapolis and other state and local politicians, drivers, owners, Redevelopment Committee members, Dallara officials (including Gian Paulo Dallara himself) and lots of others to break ground on the only Dallara facility outside Italy.

80 new jobs will be created. It will be an interactive development facility. The Sinden folks will also headquarter their Indy Racing Experience in the facility.

What seems striking is the way in which Indy Car again leads the way in terms of innovation. The safety cell concept accompanied by aero kits and multiple engine manufacturers (Look for the announcement of a European manufacturer before long) provides an economical solution to prevent an entirely spec series.

At the groundbreaking this morning, Mr. Dallara drove up in a custom creation from his company, the two-seaters delivered other dignitaries, and all the dignitaries grabbed shovels to break ground. Watch this space as construction continues.

This is more proof that Speedway Indiana is the racing capital of the world. You don’t see them starting race car factories in Brooklyn Michigan,do you? Or Charlotte, NC or Daytona Beach, FL. Indy is where it is at, period!

I think it is just so freaking cool that they are making it a tourist attraction. Judging by some of your remarks, Defender, this area of town is kinda decrepit? Hopefully, this new facility will kick off a period of redevelopment. I’ll bet Mari was really enjoying herself today.

I must say, this move took me completely by surprise–but plesantly so. To comment on Boo Boo’s observation, he’s right–in spite of the gains the city of Indianapolis (or Speedway) has made in the past decade or so, it has never been in what you would call an affluent part of the country. I know; I’ve lived there myself. To have Dallara actually open a plant there amid all the fanfare would have been an unimaginable leap a few years ago. I wish them and all involved the best.